Anti Oppressive Practice in Social Work

Catalog description

The nature and impact of oppression will be defined and understood through historical, structural, intergroup, and psychological perspectives to support the development of human service majors. The social construction of individual and group identities and their relationship to oppression, prejudice, discrimination and powerlessness in social and interpersonal contexts will be explored and their impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students will have an opportunity to examine their own experiences of both privilege and oppression. Implications for practice that is strengths oriented and culturally sensitive will be explored. The unique challenges and dilemmas that historically marginalized groups experience will be examined. Students will learn to critically examine theories, concepts, and models of practice for all forms of bias. The course will combine lecture, discussion, and experiential learning as students have an opportunity to learn and apply skills of anti-oppressive practice.